The thought of generating electricity from solar panels has always been appealing. When photovoltaic (PV) systems first came onto the market, though, the costs were sky-high. The prices of these systems have decreased over time, making now the perfect time to reconsider solar installation for your Monterey home with Premo Solar.
Solar Panel Benefits
Whether you’re looking to install solar as an investment heading into retirement or increasing your property value before selling, a residential solar installation will benefit you now and in the future thanks to a long list of short and long-term benefits, including:
- Locked-in lower electric bills
- Stabilized electricity costs for decades to come
- Increased home value
- Access to tax credits and incentives
- A better environment for future generations
- Protection against blackouts with solar batteries
Should You Invest in Solar Energy?
Wondering whether a solar panel installation is a solid investment for you? Ask yourself these six questions:
1. Does Your House Get Enough Sunlight for Solar?
The amount of sunshine that your home gets directly impacts how much electricity your photovoltaic system will produce. A properly designed solar energy system will take local conditions into account to ensure you are producing enough energy to offset your consumption.
Monterey gets an average of 267 days of sunshine a year, which is over 20% higher than the national average. This makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation. The Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office is a great resource for sophisticated mapping tools that can help you get the details about your roof’s potential solar energy production.
Monterey is part of California’s Central Coast region, and coastal fog is one of the biggest concerns that homeowners have about outfitting their homes with photovoltaic systems. Instead of hampering solar collection, coastal fog may actually enhance the process. According to the solar experts at Infinity Energy in Australia, the sun’s energy intensifies when light is diffused by surrounding moisture in the air.
2. Is Your Electric Bill High Enough for Solar Panels?
Most people consider residential photovoltaic systems because of their money-saving benefits. When summer temperatures rise or when winter temperatures drop, Monterey homeowners rely on extra electricity to keep their homes comfortable. However, this can get expensive. If your electric bill exceeds $100 per month, it’s likely that investing in solar panels is a good idea.
The price of electricity varies by state. People who live in the South or Mountain West regions of the United States generally enjoy lower monthly power rates. In contrast, the West and Northeast have some of the highest electricity prices in the country. As a Monterey resident, you’ll save more from a home photovoltaic system than someone who lives in Austin.
3. Do You Qualify for Solar Incentives?
Going solar makes sense to you, and it aligns with your views regarding stewardship of the Earth’s resources. However, you want to crunch the numbers to see if installing solar panels makes sense financially.
Understanding the solar rebates and incentives that the government offers is the first step to getting a complete picture of the actual cost of your photovoltaic system. There are several solar incentives available to California homeowners, including the federal solar tax credit and net metering. Premo Solar can help you learn more about solar incentives and help you apply!
4. Do You Need to Replace Your Roof Before You Install Solar Panels?
The condition of your home’s roof matters when deciding if a photovoltaic system is right for you. If your roof is in good condition and has more than a decade of life left, you’re a good candidate for a home solar installation.
If your roof is old or in need of a lot of repairs, consider replacing your roof before diving into a solar panel project. Solar panels are installed as permanent fixtures on your roof. If your roof must be completely overhauled, you’ll need to get a qualified solar contractor to remove the panels and reinstall them after the roofing project is complete.
Premo Solar is the only solar company near you in Monterey that has decades of roofing experience. We can inspect your roof and let you know whether your roof is suitable for solar. If repairs or replacements are needed, we’ll help you schedule roofing services.
5. Are You Planning to Sell In the Near Future?
Are you thinking about moving soon? Maybe you’re going to downsize when you retire, or maybe your family is growing and you know you’re going to need more space. Installing solar panels still makes sense if you’re planning to move. Solar increases your home’s value, so you can enjoy the benefits of solar while you’re still living in your current home and then sell for a higher price. Studies show that homes with solar sell faster than homes without, too!
6. Is Your Home Suitable for Solar Panels?
While most homes can benefit from solar energy systems, some aren’t ideal for rooftop setups. Homes that have asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or metal standing-seam roofs are ideal candidates for solar installation in Monterey, California. It’s harder to install photovoltaic systems on homes that have wooden or slate roofs.
If your home doesn’t support a rooftop photovoltaic system, don’t despair. We can work around obstacles to find the right solution for your home, like ground-mounted solar panels.
Go Solar with the Best Solar Company in Monterey, CA
California has committed to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, and cities across the state are turning to solar as their preferred choice for renewable energy. When it comes to residential solar installation in Monterey, California, it’s often difficult to know where to start the process. Premo Solar is your go-to resource for information about solar energy use in California’s Central Coast region.
